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The Irish Sun

Manuel Neuer's wife, 24, takes ‘very difficult decision' to step away from professional sport as he plays on at 39

MANUEL NEUER'S wife has decided to step away from professional sport. Anika, 24, married the Advertisement 5 Manuel Neuer's wife Anika has paused her handball career Credit: Getty 5 The couple married in a secret ceremony in 2023 and have one son Credit: Getty 5 She has made the decision to focus on being a mum Credit: Getty 5 She has ruled out retiring from the game Credit: Getty Anika is a professional handball player, who plays for ESV 1927 Regensburg in the German second division. But the left-winger has now opted to walk away from the side to prioritise being a mother. She said in a statement: "The decision was very difficult for me. I really like the team and I really enjoy playing with the girls. "I don't see the break as the end of my handball career; I just want to have more time for my son. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL "I will miss the girls and handball very much, so I want to particularly enjoy the final games and finish our great season in the best possible way." The team's coach Bernhard Goldbach added: "It's simply impressive what Ani has achieved on and off the field this season. "She came back from maternity leave stronger than ever and played in all of her season's games. We can only take our hats off to that." Neuer married the blonde beauty in a secret ceremony and no official announcement was ever made - but Anika changed her surname on Instagram. Advertisement Most read in Football Exclusive JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS She has since been regularly spotted in the stands cheering him on,. The two-time Champions League and World Cup winner recently shut down retirement rumours by penning a new contract at Bayern, which runs until the summer of 2026. Harry Kane leaves fans stunned by his German and fans are convinced it is a major hint over transfer future Neuer has played 33 games in all competitions this season. Advertisement He is currently out injured after 5 Manuel Neuer has a year left on his Bayern Munich contract Credit: Getty